Nu Hou Dala Paa

NEWS FROM THE HAWAII STATE NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION AND THE HONOLULU COIN CLUB

VOL.17 NO. 49

Inclement Weather
Doesn't Dampen

Aloha Spirit

HAWAII STATE CONVENTION STILL A

TREAT FOR ATTENDEES

BY HELEN L. CARMODY

The Hawaii State Numismatic Association held
its 33rd anniversary convention November 14-
17 at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel on Oahu.
Although the paid attendance of 1,205 was
down from last year due to unusually heavy rain,
the convention was considered a success. The
53 table (80 dealer) bourse offered inventory
desired by collectors and mainland and local
dealers alike. The first day of the state's
numismatic event of the year saw good dealer-
to-dealer activity, and public attendance
increased toward the end of the show.
Numismatists look forward to adding to thier
collections from the fresh material offered each
year and benefiting from the dealers' expertise
they so willingly share.

President of the American Numismatic
Association, Kenneth E. Bressett, said , "This
has been an exceptional show for everyone.
Attendance was high (considering the weather),
and business was good. The several committees
that organize the show were active in putting on
displays, an educational forum and a bourse."

Adna Wilde, ANA treasurer, commented,
"HSNA is always a great convention. My wife,
Joan, and I continue to meet old and new friends
and fellow numismatists year after year. The

MAY 10, 1997

educational programs were outstanding. The
Kapiolani Hotel has undergone renovation,
which was applauded by all. We look forward
to returning next year."

Co-authour of the The Cherrypicker's Guide to Rare
Die Varieties, Bill Fivaz remarked, "My wife,
Marilyn, and I had a marvelous time (despite the
damp weather). The people of Hawai are
absolutely wonderful...lovely, hospitable, caring
and very hard working. Their friendship is
contagious, and we are already looking forward
to attending next year. A great big 'Mahalo' to
HSNA and everyone connected with the show."

Altamonte Springs (FL) dealer, Don Bonser of
Tilden & Bonser, commented, "Other than the
fact that it's impossible to have a bad show in
Hawaii (imagine that!), the show was
surprisingly good, considering the current
condition of the market. After a slow start---
probably caused by one of the heaviest
rainstorms in Honolulu in the past decade--
business picked up very well and purchasing for
my inventory was quite satisfactory for the
length of the entire show."

"The educational forum was_ excellent,"
remarked Don King of Windward Coins, Kailua
(HI). "It was particularly enjoyable to see such
experts as Ken Bressert, Bill Fivaz and Lee
Kuntz sharing their knowledge with those who
attended. The show was productive, despite the
fact that business was a bit slower than in the
past. There is always a fine turnout, as the
convention is run in such a superior manner.”

"Business was good," according to James A.
Simek of Harlan Berk, Ltd., Chicago (IL).
"People came seeking Hawaiiana, small-type

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Inclement Weather
Continued from page 1

notes and large-size type notes. Error notes
were very popular. As usual, the hospitality of
the people--not only those organizing the show
but those attending it--was excellent. It is a
convention that everybody looks forward to year
after year."

James A. Hill of Treasure Trove, San Diego,
(CA), commented, "I have been coming to the
show for 30 years. It is a nice, friendly
convention. Business was slower than usual, but
it is always such a pleasure to be here. I sold
fewer coins, and most were raw as opposed to
slabbed. However, many were expensive items--
with collectors taking advantage of the lower
prices."

John D. Huntley of College Station (TX) stated,
"This is the best show nationwide. The club
members treat all dealers with respect, and the
Wednesday night cocktail party and banquet on
Sunday were outstanding. The people are
exceptionally hospitable and the organizers do a
great job. This is the seventh year I have been
coming here and look forward to it every year."

Craig Watanabe of Captain Cook Coins of
Honolulu remarked, "The show was good,
considering the economy. It started out slowly,
but after that business increased. I was very
much pleased with the dealer-to-dealer and retail
transactions I encountered."

A 33 year participant of the show, Gene Henry
of Gene L. Henry, Inc., Seattle (WA), has the
distinction of setting up at every HSNA
convention and praised the hospitality of the
club's organizers. He said, "Business was little
slower because of the economy and the weather,
but this is the most fun show I attend, and I love
the people here."

Attending her 32nd SNA _ convention,
Catherine Bullowa of Coinhunter, Philadelphia
(PA) observed, "There were many more young
collectors, and each 13 years or younger
received a door prize. The crowd was
enthusiastic. We always try to encourage them
by giving them excellent purchases for their
budgets. The genuine friendliness of the people

make each return trip a joy.”

David B. Gere of Nevada Numismatics, Inc., Las
Vegas (NV), stated, "Again, we had an excellent
show. Even the rain didn't ‘dampen’ the
enthusiasm and trading. Business was brisk,
both buying and selling. The educational forum
was generous throughout the four-day show.
As always, the Aloha spirit of the Island was
most appreciated."

Collectors also expressed their reactions. Al
Baber of El Cajon (CA), said, "This has been
one of the best shows Hawaii has hosted. The
banquet was very, very good. Greg Hunt,
president of HSNA, does such a good job every
year as M.C. It would be nice if all mainlanders
would come here as least once. They definitely
would return." Also California collectors, Lee
and Joyce Kuntz, stated, "It was one of the best
shows HSNA has produced! In spite of the rain,
we really enjoyed ourselves. More people should
come to this convention; they don't know what
they are missing. HSNA really cares about its
dealers and the collectors who attend.

The educational forum, extremely popular with
attendees, featured Ken Bressert, who spoke on
"Coins of the Bible" and "Strange Money of the
World." Programs presented by Bill Fivaz
included "Hobo Nickels," "Counterfeit
Detection," "Cherrypicking" and the "Do's and
Don'ts of Coin Collecting." Lee Kuntz spoke
on the "Bank by the Side of the Road" relating
to the Yap Islands, Ted Ashworth shared his
knowledge of telephone cards. The forum was
jointly sponsored by the Big Island Coin Club
and HSNA.

Ten exhibits were displayed at the convention,
three of them prepared by junior members.
Exhibits are solely for educational purposes and
are not competitive. Exhibitors are awarded a
unique pewter medal.

The club's banquet took place Sunday evening,
preceded by a no-host cocktail hour.
Entertainment was provided by an Island musical
group and Susanna Hunt dancing the hula and
singing. One highlight of the evening was when
Al and Dorothy Baber (Krause Publications
representatives) presented only the fourth
Numismatic Ambassador Award in the State of
Hawaii. Charles Matsuda--club _ officer,

Continued on page 3 Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather

Continued from page 2

collector, author, exhibitor and designer of the
club medals--was recognized for his avid
dedication to the hobby. Another was when
M.F. Kendrick was presented the Presidential
Award by ANA President, Ken Bressett.

The HSNA’s 34th annual convention will be held
November 6-9, 1997 at the Queen Kapiolani
Hotel. For information regarding the Hawaii
State Numismatic Association, please write
HSNA, P.O. Box 477, Honolulu, HI 96809.

HSNA ANNUAL MEETING

At the HSNA Board meeting at the Queen
Kapiolani Hotel in November the following
officers were elected for 1997:

President-------- Greg Hunt

Ist Vice Pres.---Glenn Yokoyama

2nd Vice Pres.--Byron Toma

Secretary-------- Gary Lau

Treasurer-------- M.F. Kendrick

HCC Reps------ Charles Matsuda and
W.K. Young

BICC Reps------ Derrick Ah Sing and
Walt Southward

It was reported that the six junior members of
the HCC under the supervision of Mark Yee are
actively studying numismatics and collecting
coins. The BICC representatives reported that
they now have 10 junior members. They meet
monthly at the Army Reserve Center at 470
Lanikaula St. in Hilo.

eh Ar ny
RR ae”
Se 8S co Vee

The Honolulu Coin Club still meets at the
Kalihi YMCA Every second and fourth
Wednesdays of the month at 7:30 pm.
Come and join us. Free door prizes,

and a auction at every meetings. Open

to the public. 3 —

STROKE FELLS WALT SOUTHWARD

Big Island Coin Club Secretary and auctioneer,
Walt Southward, suffered a serious stroke on
March 1, 1997 and has been hospitalized at Hilo
Medical Center since then. Our thoughts and
prayers go out to Walt and his wife, Leilani, and
best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Hawaii
Collectors

Expo ‘97

In mid February, HSNA sponsored the 7th
annual Collectors Expo at the Blaisdell
Exhibition Hall. Although it was the 7th show,
it was the second year for us. The three day
show was considered a success, however, the
show chairperson was not satisfied in that there
were things not fulfilled. Hopefullly, some will
take place in February 1998.

There were 7,000 people who attended the show
which was 100 less than last year. More (25%)
was spent for advertising this year. Our
dealer/booth numbers were up 10% over last
year. There were a couple of factors that
possibly contributed to the lower attendance
figure. One was some unusually cold and wet
weather and, second, other shows in town. We
are working to not have any conflicting shows
on the same weekend we have our show which
is on the 20, 21 and 22 of February 1998. As for
mother nature, we hope that she will be kind to
us.

As soon as we are able to get confirmation on
some of the ideas/events that we are planning,
we will make the announcement in the
newsletter, newspapers and flyers.

In closing, I wish to thank all who were

instrumental in making the show successful.
Mahalo!

MINTING ERRORS
AND VARIETIES

BY IRVING KAM

Diamond Stickpin. Stratus Cloud. Floating
Head. Monocle Eye. Tombstone Memorial.
Flagpole Dome. Horned Head.

Most of this newsletter's readership have
probably recognized the preceding as so-called
nicknames of errors, that more often that not, is
a lot flashier than the numismatic faux pas
themselves. Fortunately, said scenario is far
from being the norm. This segment of the hobby
includes the spectacular as well as the sublime
with everything in between. From wrong
planchets to doubles dies to multiple strikes.
They have proven to be more than a topic of
wonder and curiosity but a collecting specialty
unto itself.

Some say the first true error to attract major
public attention was probably the 1943
"copper penny". The war effort
necessitated the replacement of the bronze
composition with a zinc coated low-carbon steel
combination when copper was deemed a
strategic metal. A small number of bronze
planchets, left over from the year before, was
inadvertantly struck with the 1943 date and
released into commerce during hectic production
levels. For years after the war, a constant rumor
had Henry Ford wanting one of these now
famous coins and would be willing to exchange a
brand new Ford automobile for a specimen. In
1944, while reverting back to copper coinage, a
few stray steel flans found it's way through the
minting process and another type of this error,
but with metallic components reversed, was
created. Interestingly, though the 1944
"steelie" is said to be much scarcer, it never
garnered the same press or notoriety as it's
counterpart. Walter Breen, in his landmark
"Complete Encyclopedia of U. S. and Colonial
Coins", list the mintages for the 1943 bronze
cent as follows: Philadelphia Mint-about 40
known; San Francisco Mint-about 6 known; and
Denver Mint-about 24 known respectively. No
mintages are given for the 1944 steel cents but
is noted simply as "very rare”.

Through the years, the field has experienced
much positive growth and an_ important
development has been the implementation of the
P-D-S SYSTEM. Collectible errors and
varieties are divided into three categories with
the P representing planchet errors, the D
representing the die errors, and_ the S
representing the striking errors. This system, by
coincidence, utilizes the same initials as the three
primary U.S. mints thereby making it very easy
to remember. The division of planchet errors
include laminations, wrong planchets, clips,
blanks, improper mixes, split planchets, was well
as many others. The division of die errors
include die cracks, die breaks, repunched dates,
overmintmarks, doubled dies, die clashes, collar
breaks, to name a few. The famous 1955-P
Doubled Die and the 1972-P Doubled
Die fall into this grouping as rotated hub
doubling varieties. The division of striking
errors include brockages, capped dies, struck

throughs, double strikes, indents, die adjustment

strikes, and so forth. This system is surely a
considerable advancement from the days when
an error coin was sometimes called a FIDO, an
acronym for Freaks, Imperfections, Defects and
Oddities.

While perusing through various hobby
publications, it is very apparent that the interest
in die varieties is intense. A recent issue of Coin
World ran a front page item of a newly
discovered 1914/3Indian Head Nickel
overdate and the Numismatic News did likewise
featuring an 1890 Liberty Head nickel
with a repunched date. Bold type face and super
close up photos were included in both instances.
It seems like more dealers are moving into this
area aS witnessed by the offerings in their ads.
Articles and columns are more frequent and the
pertinent section of the classifieds appear to have
increased. Even a third party grading company
have realized financial possibilities by running a
full page ad offering to slab varieties for those
who want or need that sort of thing.

Getting started in the hobby can be measurably
painless considering all the services already
available at this time. Clubs such as CONECA
(Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error

MINTING ERRORS Continued on page 5

MINTING ERRORS

Continued from page 4
Collectors of America) are highly recommended
and membership is encouraged. They produce a
semi-monthly newsletter called the
“"ERRORSCOPE", maintain a well stocked
library, operate a low cost authentication
department, and many other incentives.

CONECA also conducts an annual “ERRORAMA”

show, usually in conjunction with a major show
convention, which offer educational forums.

related programs, and of course, lots of

error/variety material for sale. Books have
always been an important learning tool and in

this case is represented quite well. One that is

often ascribed to is "THE OFFICIAL PRICE
GUIDE TO MINT ERRORS AND
VARIETIES" penned by Alan Herbert. It is

well written, informative, and an indispensable
reference source. The same can be said of

"THE CHERRYPICKERS GUIDE TO RARE
DIE VARIETIES" authored by _ recent
H.S.N.A. guest speaker Bill Fivaz and J.T.

Stanton. This text has really become the

definitive work on the subject and is being
updated even as we speak.

As always, the bottom line is to have fun and the
error/variety encounter offers this and more. A
good working understanding of the minting
process will forever be an asset, even in other
areas of the hobby, because the biggest benefit
of all is the knowledge.

Hitler Mustache. Loose Toupee. Comet "OQ".
Lady Bird Egg on Roof. Bespeckled President.
Cowlick. Ghost of Lincoln.

Aloha! Pau.

HONOLULU COIN CLUB

November _1996--Thank you to the following
club members for their display at the HSNA
November show at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel.
Junior members:
Christine Izuo---currency
Cherylin Izuo---silver Washington quarters
CareyAnne Izuo--wooden nickels
Paul Luke--Las Vegas nickel rolls
Deacon Lau--casino gambling chips and tokens

Gary Tanaka--school tokens

Denis Tomiyasu--currency

Jim Simek--currency and foreign quarters

Crane Saito--Capt. Cook medals

Mark Yee--currency

W.K. Young---currency

A big mahalo to all who helped make the show a

big success.

December _1996--The annual Christmas party
was held at the Kapahulu Senior Citizen Center
on Campbell Avenue and was attended by over
80 members and guests. A great time was had
by all. Games, singing, good food and door
prizes highlighted the evening.

HONOLULU COIN CLUB

STATERIOOD DAY
COIN SHOW

KAPALAMA SCHOOL
CAFETORIUM

(ACROSS FROM THE KAMEHAMEHA SHOPPING CENTER)

AUGUST 16, 1997 , poor prizes
9:30 AM - 4 PM se EXHIBITS
Free Admission ew COINS, STAMPS
AND OTHER
COLLECTABLES

“gi es we ;
Su OS
Sf . Ky >.
Were

Saiat Louis Anniversary Medal
Last year's HSNA Show medal honoring Saint
Louis College 150th Anniversary still available.
Sold as pairs of Silver (.999 fine) and Bronze. To
order write to HSNA, P.O. Box 477, Honolulu,
Hi 96809, plus $2.00 for postage and insurance.

Honolulu Coin Club
Junior Neus
Star Notes

From Circulation
BY CHRISTINE IZUO

I have been collecting star notes for two years. |
have found at least one each of the following:
one dollar, five dollar, ten dollar, twenty dollar,
fifty dollar and one hundred dollar. Star notes
are easy to collect because you can find them in
circulation.

Star notes are made to replace error notes found
by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
production before they leave the printing facility.
They also replace defective notes, thus catching
a nickname of "replacement" or "star" notes.

In recent years, the Bureau of Engraving and
Printing production was running at a level
averaging about thirty five million Federal
Reserve Notes a day. Printing these many bills a
day would most likely result in many error notes
because the process of printing the notes is
highly mechanized, however, less than 1% result
in errors.

There are several spots in the process where
inspections of the bills occur, including human
inspections. One human inspection takes place
before the 32 note sheets are split in two, and
another when 16 note sheets are delivered to the
COPE Pak machines for overprinting, counting
and packaging. Lastly, there is a random
inspection when the banded notes pass a note
examining station.

These examinations pick out many errors, but of
course, not all. When an error note is found, or
a defective note is found, that one note is
destroyed and another one with the same serial
number is reprinted. This time, in place of the
suffix letter at the end of the serial number, a star
is added to show that the note was reprinted. On
Silver Certificates, U.S. Notes and Gold
Certificates, that star was a prefix to the serial
number instead.

You can't really determine the expected number

of star notes each year, but altogether, star notes
average a fraction of the total number or regular
notes released. This makes them tougher to
find, therefore, it has a premium value compared
to the regular issue notes. This premium value is
generally higher on the earlier notes and
relatively small on the newer ones.

My Mercury Dime

Collection
BY CHERYLIN IZUO

My name is Cherylin Izuo. I am thirteen years
old and I collect Mercury dimes. I have almost
the entire collection completed except for the
1926S, 1931D and of course the famous 1916D.
I don't count the 1942/1 because it is actually an
error and not a regular mint production. Most
of my collection were found looking through the
junk silver from a company that bought and sold
gold and silver. I also have a completed
collection of silver Roosevelt dimes found the
same way, but that is a story for another article.
The Mercury dime got its name by how it
looked. At the time it was circulated, people
thought it looked like Speedy Mercury, the
messenger of the Gods in Roman mythology. In
reality, the front of the Mercury dime is Lady
Liberty (Elsie Wallace Stevens). However, Lady
Liberty resembled Mercury because on the day
that her protrait was put on the dime, she was
wearing a winged cap, which represented
freedom.

In 1915, the public tired of the Barbers coin
designs so the Treasury Department had decided
to have a competition for new designs for a
dime, quarter, and half dollar. For the 10 cent
piece, sculptor Adolph Alexander Weinman's
"Winged Liberty Head" was selected on March
3, 1916. His design featured Lady Liberty. In
June 1916, the coins were ready to be distributed
and on October 28, 1916 they were distributed.

Different people called the Mercury dime by
different names. Some people called them "golf
dimes" because on the back of the dimes is a
battle axe surrounded by a bundle of rods. (This
represented the nation's preparedness to defend

Continued on page 7 Mercury Dime

Mercury Dime
Continued from page 6

its liberty) and an olive branch (symbolizing its
love and peace). Many people thought,
however, that this looked like a golf bag and
clubs. Other people called them "Wilson dimes"
because they mistook Weinman's initials for
President Woodrow Wilson, but the first person
that said the dime had a resemblance to Mercury
was a New York coin dealer, David Proskey.

In 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt had passed away
which induced the Treasury officials to propose
that his portrait be put on a coin's regular issue
to commemorate him. The only coin available
without special legislation were the Lincoln cent,
Mercury dime and the Walking Liberty half
dollar. For unknown reasons, officialdom chose
the Mercury dime which ended the production of
them.

TREE GECKO, the last
of the Woods on Hawaii
Endangered Wildlife

WASHINGTON
INTERMEDIATE
SCHOOL

R MAY 10, 1997
SWORD HONOLULU,
HAWAII

The twentieth and final wood of the Hawanian
Endangered Wildlife features the tree gecko.
Tree geckos are the least common of all the
geckos found in Hawaii. Different from other
geckos that live in houses or buildings, they
dwell in forest areas and found under tree bark
and more wooded areas. With the continued
urban development and habitat modification,
their numbers seem to dwindle. A _ nocturnal
feeder, the tree gecko uses its long tongue and
cat-like night time vision feeding on insects--

cockroaches especially being on their menu.
Scientifically called hemiphylladactyhus typus
typus, the tree gecko measures in length about 2
1/4 to 3 1/2 inches on average, has a slender
head, body and tail with various shades of brown
in color and sometimes turning black in color
changes. The female gecko lays two eggs
adaptable to any surface and takes about two
months to hatch. They can be found in all of the
main islands.

The silversword makes up the reverse of the
wooden token. A family of the sunflower, this
beautiful silver colored circular cluster of leaves
grows on the mountains of Haleakala, Maui and
Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island.
They are much scarcer on the Big Island.
Argyroxiphium sandwicense, the scientific name,
meaning "Silversword of the Sandwich Island".
Sandwich Island is a name given by Capt. James
Cook during his discovery of the Hawaiian
Islands in 1778 in honor of the 4th Earl of
Sandwich of England.

The silversword grow in cindery, dry, desertlike
mountain environment. They can survive in
extreme heat and cold temperatures with little
rain. But with heavy grazing by wild goats,
sheep and domestic cattle, the silversword plant
was on the brink of extinction. Thanks to the
help of the National Park Service, the State of
Hawaii and volunteers, a control system of
animals, Public Education and other programs in
effect, saved the silversword. This is the last of
the series of Hawaiian Endangered Wildlife. The
Honolulu Coin Club thanks everyone who
participated in collecting the series. To order
the final series, please send a stamped self
addressed envelope and 50c per wood to :
Honolulu Coin Club, P.O. Box 6063, Honolulu,
HI 96818. Be sure to put enough postage if
ordering more than one.

Mahalo!

Birds of Hawai Medal

The fifth set of Birds of Hawaii series still on

sale. Both in bronze and silver the sets are
price at $25.00 plus $3.00 for postage and
handling. To order please write to Honolulu

Coin Club, P.O. Box 6063, Honolulu, Hi 96818

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